A Picture Against a Thousand Words
CGG WeeklyA fundamental difference exists between images and language, and by understanding the difference, we can understand the second commandment's importance.
The Second Commandment
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsHuman nature tries to limit God to the confines of physical objects. Men fabricate images, called idols, to aid them in worshiping a god they have concocted.
Is the Symbol of the Cross Idolatry? (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by Mike FordNowhere in the Bible are we told to venerate the symbol of the cross. The early church certainly did not. It was introduced into Catholic churches in AD 431.
Should a Christian Own Pictures and Statues of Jesus (Exodus 20:4)?
Bible Questions & AnswersThe second commandment prohibits the use of anything that represents God. This directly prohibits any likeness of Jesus Christ's person.
Is the Symbol of the Cross Idolatry? (Part One)
CGG Weekly by Mike FordWill wearing a silver cross around the neck keep a person from harm? Will it stay the hand of Satan? Superstitions about the cross arose long before Christ.
Does God Forbid All Images?
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughMade in God's image, human beings have the same drive to imagine, create, innovate, and express their designs in the works of their hands.
The Second Commandment
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughMost people consider the second commandment to deal with making or falling down before a pagan idol, but it covers all aspects of the way we worship.
What Does It Mean to Take Up the Cross?
'Ready Answer' by David C. GrabbeJesus commands His followers to take our cross and follow Him. Does He mean to carry a pagan symbol, or is there a deeper meaning to His weighty words?
The Commandments (Part Three)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughIdolatry derives from worshiping the work of our hands or thoughts rather than the true God. Whatever consumes our thoughts and behavior has become our idol.
The Second Commandment (1997)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughMany fail to perceive the difference between the first and second commandments. The second commandment defines the way we are to worship the true God.
The Origin of the Christian Cross
Commentary by Martin G. CollinsThe symbol of the cross flourished centuries before Christ came on the scene, serving as an initial for Tammuz. God's true church has never used the cross.
What Does it Mean to Take Up the Cross?
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeBearing our cross means our time on this earth is virtually finished, that we are willing to give up our lives, emulating the life of our Savior.
Keep Yourself From Idols
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsAn idol is anything in our lives that occupies the space which should be occupied by God alone, anything having a controlling force in our lives.
The Cross: Christian Banner or Pagan Relic?
Article by Earl L. Henn (1934-1997)Is it alright to wear a crucifix? As it turns out, the cross was a pagan worship symbol long before Christ's death, and was never used by the first century church.
John (Part Eight)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe woman of Samaria is like each of us, initially hardened, self-willed and skeptical when called, but afterwards zealous when enlightened by the truth.